10 things pregnant moms should keep in mind during massage

Our expert explains things to watch out for if your are planning to get a massage during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a beautiful experience but it comes with a baggage of challenges. It is a tiring time too for most women due to the hormonal turmoil both physically and mentally. In recent times there have been studies to support various relaxation techniques that would raise the dopamine and serotonin levels in pregnant women. And one such popular techniques or therapy is massage therapy. However, how safe it is to get a massage during pregnancy? When can you get a massage done? From whom can you get a massage when pregnant? Here are few queries that most women have when it comes to comes to getting a massage when pregnant. So to help you out, we asked Dr Nisha Bhatnagar, IVF Specialist, Aveya Fertility and IVF Centre, Delhi to shed light on things to keep in mind during massage for pregnant moms.

Massage during pregnancy -- what to keep in mind

Getting a massage from a trained massage therapist can help pregnant women with hormone regulation, improved oxygenation of soft tissues & muscles and better sleep. It also reduces swelling or edema, joint pains, back pain, stress, anxiety, muscle tensions, and headaches. Here are 5 ways to deal with back ache during pregnancy. A good massage from an expert also shows improvement in blood circulation nerve pain, especially in the sciatic nerve pain. However, there are some risks associated with massage therapy during pregnancy and care should be taken before any such service or therapy. So follow these tips from our expert if planning to get a massage done during pregnancy.

1. Health care provider In case you are considering getting a massage therapy during your pregnancy, it is prudent to consult your doctor or midwife and seek their approval and permission before the therapy. Also read about is breast massage during pregnancy necessary?

2. Massage therapist A normal massage therapist or spa might not be equipped to provide you with services suited to your condition. It is a good idea to consult your massage therapist before the appointment and discuss the position they place their clients while massaging them and take a call based on it.

3. Body position A trained massage therapist would make sure that you are comfortable as they massage you. It is important for you to find the position that is most comfortable for you.

4. Unscented lotion & oil Talk to your massage therapist and opt for unscented lotions and oils as they might induce nausea and in some cases, it might even cause uterine contractions.

5. Pregnancy induced hypertension Many women in their pregnancy develop PIH or Pregnancy Induced Hypertension. This is a critical condition which if ignored may endanger the lives of the mother and child. In this condition too, massage therapy must be avoided.

6. High-risk pregnancy Women who have complicated medical conditions about their pregnancy may be classified under high-risk pregnancies. In such situations, it is better to refrain from getting your massage therapy.

7. First trimester woes The first trimester is a delicate time and the chances of miscarriage are high in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It is due to this reason that many massage therapists refuse to provide their services for pregnant women who are still in their first trimester. It is wise to let the therapist know about your pregnancy in advance and not spring it as a surprise. Also read about reflexology during pregnancy is it safe? (query)

8. Previous pre-term labour If you had a pre-term pregnancy earlier, then there are chances that you might face it in the subsequent pregnancies. Hence, it is a good idea to stay away from massage therapy in such cases.

9. Pre-eclampsia It is one of the conditions developed only during pregnancy. In case you are suffering from pre-eclampsia, develop sudden swelling with fluid retention or are experiencing severe headaches, massage therapy is better avoided.

10. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) Deep vein thrombosis is a condition where a blood clot may be formed in one of the deep veins in the legs. Getting a massage therapy at such times might dislodge the clot which might even travel up to the lungs and cause pulmonary embolism. So it is better to avoid rather than complicate things during pregnancy.

Also read about post-natal massages All you need to know about it.

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